JFAC approves extra staff and building funds for University of Idaho agricultural research

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Feb. 28 approved funding for the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Research and Extension Service that will add personnel and cover building costs.

Representative Miller moved to add one new viticulture faculty researcher position and funds to cover café building maintenance, arguing the research post will assist local growers. “The viticulture position serves all kinds of small fruits and whatnot. My largest interest was aiding in wine production,” Representative Miller said during debate, but other members stressed the position supports table grapes and small berry growers as well.

Senator Ward Engelking, who spoke in favor of supporting growers, noted the Parma extension program can host the position and that the research would help crops unique to Idaho, including huckleberries.

After a substitute motion that narrowed the request, JFAC approved $408,000 from the General Fund and 1.43 full‑time equivalent positions for FY2026, with the motion winning a majority in both chambers and a due‑pass recommendation to the floor. Committee members also accepted the related language to specify the appropriation and asked the university to present a business plan for the café facility’s long‑term operations.

Members emphasized the extension mission of the land‑grant university — research, education and community extension — and sought clarity that the funding would be used broadly for small fruits and extension services rather than only for commercial wine operations.

The motion passed with the committee reporting a combined total of 15 ayes and 5 nays across both House and Senate appropriations caucuses; the committee recorded that the motion will carry a due‑pass recommendation to each chamber’s floor.